PORT NECHES — The rumble of thunder and threat of rain didn’t deter sky gazers who gathered for the solar eclipse viewing party at the Effie and Wilton Hebert Public Library in Port Neches on Monday.

Stephanie Orta of Port Arthur and friends picked out a spot on a hill at the adjacent Central Park where they donned their special glasses and looked towards the celestial event.

“We’ve been planning this for the longest time,” Orta said. “And there’s a new moon and the solar eclipse, this is a time for a new beginning, a time for transitioning.”

Orta said she didn’t have any big plans for transition in the works but as for a new beginning — well it was a good Monday.

Bihn Nguyen walked around the library and park grounds holding Grace, his 2-year-old daughter. His wife and four other children were nearby. Nguyen pointed out clouds in the sky prior to the eclipse, making the outing a learning experience for all.

“They (older children) made pin hole boxes to view the eclipse but they prefer the glasses,” Nguyen said.

Shelby Lienhardt, Shana Smith and Kellie Dowden staked out a spot near the park equipment and periodically looked up for a peek at the eclipse. They had been planning on watching it and Smith went ahead and used cereal boxes to make viewers just in case she couldn’t get any of the special eyewear.

Jo Voss made two pin hole viewers.

“I did them this morning with a YouTube tutorial,” Voss said with a laugh.

Voss was joined by Jennifer Rodonaia and Rhonda Durham who took turns looking through the safe-viewing device. The women excitedly passed the boxes between each other even though they also had a pair of glasses to share.

“My neighbor went with her son to Nevada to see it,” she said.

Southeast Texas wasn’t treated to the full eclipse and only saw the view with 70 percent eclipsed with cloudy conditions in most areas.

Reporter: Mary Meaux, 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews